Do you ever feel like your smartphone is listening to you? While it might seem that way, it's probably not what's really happening. Researchers have done extensive studies, but have yet to find any evidence that phones and the apps on them are actually recording or listening to your conversations. So what's going on? Your phone has much more efficient ways to figure out what you’re talking about and what you’re interested in, without recording a conversation. Apps on phones take screenshots and use the GPS function to track where you’re going. They even collect video of what you’re doing on your phone. All of this can be used to create targeted ads. So, how do you explain having a conversation about shoes and then seeing an ad for shoes on your phone? Chances are, you probably did a Google search for those shoes, or maybe you mapped out directions to a shoe store. The amount of data companies collect about us is staggering. One way to limit the access they have is to avoid using the universal sign-on features offered by Google and Facebook. Also, monitor the permissions you give each app on your phone. For example, if an app doesn’t need to know your location, consider taking away its access to that information.

Sunday, June 7, 2020

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On This Day

1968 Sirhan Sirhan is indicted for the assassination of US Senator Robert Kennedy. He was sentenced to life in prison. He has been up for parole 15 times, denied each time on the grounds that he has not expressed adequate remorse for his crime.

Fact of the Day

The 1883 Eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia was so loud that it was heard over 3,000 miles away, which is the equivalent of hearing a sound from Ireland while you are in Boston. It ruptured the eardrums of sailors over 40 miles away.

Nature Oddities

Rats can go up to 2 weeks without water, longer than camels, who can only go 3-5 days without water.

Food and Drink

English legend claims that the name “sirloin steak” comes from when King James I of England was so impressed by the quality of his steak that he knighted the loin of beef, which was referred to thereafter as “Sirloin.”